RADIO
Brandon Murchison's 2019 NFL Draft team previews moves on to the New York Jets, a team that is looking to flourish with a new beginning. What impact will the rookies drafted have on the fantasy values of this team?
A common theme that you will see with the teams at the top of this year's draft is starting over. That is exactly the case with the New York Jets. Gone is Todd Bowles, enter Adam Gase. Gone is Isaiah Crowell, enter Le'Veon Bell. The front office is hoping that these two moves help improve an offense that finished the 2018 season 23rd in scoring.
The addition of Bell should also help to improve the progression of Sam Darnold as he enters his second year in the league. In 13 games played, Darnold compiled a 17/15 touchdown to interception ratio, finishing with 216.05 FP on the season. Even though he was never really on the starting QB radar, Darnold did have two weeks as a top-12 scorer in fantasy. Look for those numbers to improve in the first year under Gase. As the HC will look to utilize the strength of his QB and get the ball out of his hands early and allow the receivers to do the work.
Entering the draft, the Jets have some nice pieces to work with at the skill positions. So look for the team to hone in on the defensive side of the ball and depth along the offensive line. If they can solidify the O-Line, it will only help the fantasy fortunes of Bell, who will be looking to show the league he hasn't missed a step even while sitting out the entire 2018 season.
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Top Three Projected Selections
First Round- Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama (3rd overall)
Third Round- Oshane Ximines, LB Old Dominion (68th)
Caleb McGary, OT Washington (93rd)
Remaining Picks
Fourth Round- 105th
Sixth Round- 196th
Seventh Round- 217th
Quinnen Williams may arguably be the best prospect in this draft and immediately brings a presence to the Jets interior that is sorely lacking. His short area bursts help him create wins and propel to the ball. The disruptions that he will cause in the backfield will only help the rest of the front seven get pressures and sacks on the QB. Although he will not be the only reason, the 2019 Jets defense could develop into a popular streaming option in season-long leagues.
Keeping with the idea of creating more of a pass rush, the selection of Ximines does just that. He has a knack for getting to the QB with his leverage and ability to get off the snap quickly. He disguises his second move well to create confusion for opposing blockers. He will likely only play in pass rush situations early on as he needs improvement as a run defender. But he takes to coaching well and could develop into a three-down linebacker.
Also in the third round, the Jets pick up a potential starter on the offensive line in Caleb McGary. A natural tackle, McGary is likely to move inside to guard early in his career to avoid getting overrun by bigger, stronger defensive ends. But once he develops, he could factor into being a solid starter on the line for a Jets team that will be looking to become more balanced on offense. Adding a piece like McGary should help the Jets improve on the poor showing as a scoring offense in 2019. If the offensive line solidifies, expect to see Gase lean on Le'Veon Bell for much of the season, ensuring his finish as an RB1 next season.
